Romney’s website contained a document with a cover picture of a pistol-toting Perry, entitled “Rick Perry’s Plan to Get America Working Again.”

Inside were several comments from commentators panning Perry’s performance in last month’s Republican debate. Following was a series of blank pages.

The latest jab came as Perry criticized President Barack Obama’s record on the economy and said new leadership is needed to fight chronically high unemployment.

“America needs a new leader with a proven record of job creation and sound economic policies,” Perry said in Texas, while touting his record of job creation in his home state.

“Texas is not immune to the effects of the national economic environment, but recent reports show that low, flat and fair taxes, fair and predictable regulations, and restrained government spending is a proven recipe for job creation.”

The two candidates are in a bitter race now that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin have decided against running.

A poll this week showed Romney with a comfortable though not overwhelming lead over former pizza chain executive Herman Cain, whose soaring support has carried him to second place.

Romney came in first with 22 percent support from Republicans and voters who lean Republican, with Cain at 17 percent, and Perry at 14 percent, according to the Quinnipiac University survey.

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore

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